What Sparked The Idea
Let's rewind to the origins of it all! In the midst of connecting with amazing partners who lent a hand to our fantastic cause, casual conversations became the norm. Springtime banter naturally turned to Spring break plans, with everyone sharing their destinations. One day, our founder, Dr. Ballard, had a moment of insight. "What about our local kids? Where do they go during this time?" The realization struck - our children shouldn't miss out on experiences they can't see. And that's how the spark ignited!
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President/CEO
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Founder
It all started with a simple question, a burst of brainstorming, and a heap of faith. NCC’s Spring Jam kicked off with employees going to different community sites, hosting mini outdoor picnics and games. As the idea grew, we brought the children to our center, setting up tents, music, and more games. Before we knew it, the concept transformed from a fun event to break the routine for kids into something more profound – an opportunity to educate, encourage, inspire, and have them share their newfound knowledge with their community.
We wanted to bring the world to them so they could "travel" too! And in doing so, we recreated countries and cities with the unwavering support of countless volunteers, a touch of creativity from scissors, tape, glue, fueled by sheer willpower, and the grace of God! As we reflect on the journey, we're proud to say we've been doing it for nearly 2 decades, going stronger and making a difference in the lives of these wonderful kids.
It Takes a Team
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Tawana Goolsby
Youth Engagement Services Director
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Eric Bradley
Youth Coordinator - Elementary
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Pamela Cox
Senior Director of Community & Volunteer Engagement
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Haleigh Boykin
Office Manager – Adult Education & Empowerment Programs
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Linda Webster
Senior Director of Adult Education & Empowerment Programs
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Carlos Webster
Associate Director of Youth Engagement
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Anna Wilcox
Director of Communications & Development
Behind The Scenes
The Obstacles
2020 threw a curve ball at us that year! We couldn't do our usual in-person events, so we switched things up. Instead of kids coming to us, we made packets and sent them to their schools. We adapted to the changes, making the experience interactive by filming a mini-movie as if they traveled to a new country. Without volunteers that year, our staff handled the on-site challenges, reaching 1,500 kids. Donor support for resources was crucial, and with faith and hard work, we made it happen, proving we can overcome anything!
The Ski Lift
To bring Spring Jam to life, we create a multitude of props to transform our place into a whole country. Crafting these props demands a blend of patience, creativity, innovative thinking and A LOT of helping hands. One standout prop in this endeavor is what we fondly call "The Ski Lift." Making it work was a bit tricky this time. Normally, it goes in the gym, but that was a no-go due to a food program. So, we had to be inventive and put it in a different spot. Keeping the fake people on the ski lift steady was another challenge – their heads just kept falling off!
Yet, why did we persist in facing these challenges? The answer is simple: we wanted our kids to do more than just watch it on TV; we aimed to provide them with an authentic, hands-on experience. We wanted to show them something real and exciting, making them curious about the world beyond their neighborhoods. That's what makes this event so special!
The Future
As we look ahead to the future of "Spring Jam," a tradition that has been thriving for nearly two decades, our aim is clear: we want to ensure that no child misses out on this enriching experience. Despite the slowdown caused by Covid, our determination to keep going remains unwavering. The vision is to expand and reach more kids, transforming the event from a two-day affair into an immersive week-long experience at our center.
We aspire to turn it into a donation fundraiser, involving a broader community to witness and support the event. Drawing similar energies and inspiration from a large event like “Memphis in May" we envision a week where kids from across the city can deeply engage with the culture of another country. The more people involved, the greater the experience!
Our Stories
Step into the captivating world of Spring Jam Stories, where each year paints a new chapter, building on the tales of this impactful journey. This time around, it's the Babybel story, and trust me, it's more than just a cheesy narrative; it's a testament to the ever-growing impact we're creating together, right here in Memphis, TN.
“Babybel Cheese has a whole different meaning around here...”
— Haleigh Boykin (Office Manager – Adult Education & Empowerment Programs)
This was the year we went to Switzerland. And I was the “tour guide”…
In our simulated adventure for the year, we pretended we were in the enchanting country of Switzerland. I proudly played the role of the "tour guide" for the city of Geneva, the capital of this picturesque country, I embarked on an unforgettable journey with groups of eager kids.
We visited cool places as we navigated through the historic landmarks, such as the iconic "Fork of Vevey" and the Giant Broken Chair, each with its own fascinating tales. The kids, brimming with imagination, spun humorous theories about why and how the giant fork found its place and what the large broken chair meant to them.
As we moved through our imaginary city, I shared bits of history at each stop. Finally, we reached the best part – the cheese station! I talked about how cheese is a big deal in Switzerland and how the Swiss eat so much of it that they could eat their weight in cheese. The kids couldn't believe it!
It was an unexpected surprise that brought some humor to us all…
Now came the fun part – trying the cheeses. We gave each kid a Babybel cheese, which many of them did not seem to recognize. The funny thing was, they tried to bite into the wax covering by mistake! Everyone burst into laughter as we realized the mix-up. We had to pause and show them the right way to open and eat the cheeses, explaining that the wax helps keep the cheese soft and tasty.
A catalyst for wonder and curiosity…
Our Spring Jam adventure was not just about having a good time. It was about letting kids experience things they might not usually get to, who might otherwise be distanced from such enriching encounters due to limited resources and confined surroundings.
This day opened their eyes to more of the world and showed them possibilities they might not have thought about before. The exposure broadened their horizons, offering glimpses of a world that extended beyond their immediate surroundings, fostering dreams and aspirations. It was a catalyst for wonder and curiosity in our kids!
Spring Jam is not just for the kids…
But this adventure taught me a bunch too. It reminded me of the work we do at NCC and the backgrounds these kids come from. It reminded me that some things, even if they seem basic, might not be known by everyone. So, it stuck with me that I always need to be mindful of how to help and guide the kids, making sure they have what they need to grow and learn.
This is just one story, a glimpse of what happens when you support NCC. We're not just about what most think; we're about instilling wonder and inspiring kids and people to be more, to dream bigger and reach higher. It's about neighbors helping neighbors and enriching lives together from the inside out. God has helped us do it, and it's through your support that we can continue making a positive impact.
And as I reflect on this, I'm reminded of the importance of passing on the gifts God has given us – whether through talent, knowledge, earnings, or time. I've seen the impact firsthand, and it's a powerful way to contribute to the betterment of our community. I want to continue passing on the gift here in Memphis. How about you?
Your Impact
-Haleigh Boykin (Office Manager – Adult Education & Empowerment Programs)
“NCC’s Spring Jam means a lot to me and the kids because you can't dream about things you don't know exist. NCC helps kickstart those dreams by introducing new experiences and opening up possibilities. It's like planting the seeds for dreams to grow and become real. Experiencing new things makes dreaming possible. That’s the impact made here at NCC.”
Our Helpers
A BIG shoutout to all the amazing folks who've volunteered with us and who have generously dedicated their time and effort to support us over the years!
From individuals across the country to those from around the globe, we've been fortunate to welcome a diverse group of volunteers during the creation of Spring Jam and the event itself. We had a fantastic first run with volunteers from Gordon College based out of Massachusetts for five years straight, thanks to their leaders, we made connections that reached all the way to Italy.
The precovid era presented challenges in maintaining this momentum. It was a tough task for NCC workers, juggling daily duties and doubling efforts to bring this event to life. Volunteer support is the backbone of making this event a reality. We've forged valuable partnerships with associations like the Indian Association of Memphis and Japanese Association of Memphis to ensure authenticity and precision in our representation, aligning with the country we're highlighting.
We owe a debt of gratitude to faithful and longstanding helpers, including Choose 901, Paragon Bank, Nike, Middle College, University of Michigan, FACS, Howard U, Loyola, and Creighton. Yet, our journey continues, and we welcome more individuals to join us in realizing our future dreams for the city – to touch the lives of more kids, parents, and students! And you can too!
How You Can Help!
Join NCC’s Spring Jam Journey! Want to be a part of the excitement and make a difference in your community? Whether you're local or from another part of the world, there's a role for you in shaping this incredible event for kids and our community. Here's how you can contribute:
Pray
Your prayers matter! We've seen God's hand at work because of them! We appreciate your support in praying for our staff, volunteers, donors, and the entire community. It is so encouraging to hear and know that you are lifting up this ministry! We cherish the notes, letters, social media responses, and emails coming from our supporters to encourage us and pray over us! Keep at it y’all!!
2 Corinthians 9:8 “...God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…”
Time
Be a vital part of the event by volunteering your time. Whether you're a local 901 resident or from another state or country, there's a place for you. Volunteers are the heart of this event, and you can sign up by clicking this link Heart-for-Spring-Jam to become an essential part of creating this amazing experience.
Funds
Help us bring this unique experience to life by supporting us financially. Your contributions go towards getting materials and manpower to create an unforgettable experience for our neighbors. Every donation, big or small, makes a significant difference. You can give directly to Heart-for-Spring-Jam!
Share
Spread the word! Share our page and social media with your friends and colleagues. Your support in getting the word out about what we're doing here in Memphis makes a real difference. You never know who you might reach or who could help this event thrive. Together, we can make a positive impact in our community! Share our pages now by simply clicking our links for Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!
